The building’s gymnasium was transformed into an expansive main gallery that can accommodate Marlene Yu’s sprawling abstract paintings of nature. They drench the walls with color almost touching floor to ceiling.

9:29am

Arts

Real estate developer James Yu holds up new blueprints for the Marlene Yu Museum and Rainforest Art Foundation in downtown Shreveport.

Credit Kate Archer Kent

A dramatic transformation of a 1950s former YWCA building in downtown Shreveport is moving forward. The 36,500 square-foot building, vacant since 2010, was left in rough shape. It will house the Marlene Yu Museum and be the headquarters for the Rainforest Art Foundation.